Albert Almora to Cubs: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 4/06/1990

High School: Mater Academy (Fla.)

College Commitment: Miami

Albert Almora has been on every scout's radar for years as one of the most well-rounded prospects in the 2012 draft class.

Although he’s merely an average runner with a 50-to-55-grade arm, Almora is an excellent outfielder who gets excellent jumps on the ball (lending to his plus range). Everything he does in the outfield is fundamentally sound, and he takes aggressive routes to the ball. He’s not a particularly fast runner, but his all-out hustle and footwork should allow him to stick in center field. 

A right-handed hitter, Almora has a quick bat and surprising power that allows him to go yard to all fields. He has a controlled swing with a consistent path that allows him to jump on the best of velocities while still keeping enough weight back to drive offspeed pitches.

A veteran of the showcase circuit, Almora has drawn comparisons to Carlos Beltran for his all-around athleticism and skill set. Considered as a high first-round draft pick for the last two years, Almora is more advanced than most of the prep players in the 2012 draft class, and therefore has a shot to reach the major leagues by 2015.

Analysis

After the Cubs missed on Tyler Colvin, they are hoping they've found a younger Alfonso Soriano to put some thump into the heart of the order after a few years of seasoning.